Amy Caprice Pomeroy Laughlin

LAWRENCE- During her 12 year battle with breast cancer, Amy Caprice Pomeroy Laughlin of Lawrence inspired many people, especially women and their families fighting the disease. She died November 9, 2008, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, on June 17, 1968, Amy grew up in Topeka where she graduated from Topeka West High School in 1986 after living briefly in Lexington, KY, and Overland Park, KS. Her undergraduate years were spent at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Musicology. She was a member of Delta Phi. She eventually continued her college education at The University of Kansas where she completed course work for a M.A. and Ph.D. in Musicology. Music was one of the loves of her life. She started playing the violin in third grade under the direction of Larry Harris, who persuaded her to switch to the viola in sixth grade. She played in the Topeka String Project and the Topeka West Strings. Her musical ability helped her acquire a college scholarship and led to performances with the Topeka and Lawrence Symphonies. Another love of Amys during her early years, were the Public TV programs of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. She proudly displayed an autographed photo of Mr. Rogers in her college dorm room. She even received a card from Mr. Rogers when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In her spare time, Amy loved to scrapbook with friends and also enjoyed needlework and reading. During her lifes journey, Amy was involved in Brownies and Girl Scouts for the benefit of daughters Brittany and Emily along with other young girls. Amy could often be spotted in the crowd of many athletic events cheering on her son Alex and his teammates in baseball, basketball, and football. A special respite for her and her family was the Pomeroy family cabin near Eagle Nest, New Mexico. She spent many vacations there, starting at the young age of six weeks. Her time spent at the cabin enjoying the beauty of the mountains and the companionship of her family was very special times. The philanthropic side of Amy was demonstrated through her ownership and management of Second Chance Childrens Store in downtown Lawrence. She showed her compassion for others as she assisted individuals and community organizations by donating childrens clothing for those in need. She was loved and respected by her customers and employees. She is survived by her devoted husband of 16 years, G.R., and three children, Brittany of Overland Park, Alex, and Emily of the home; her mother Carole Parmley McFarland and stepfather Jack McFarland; her father Dave Pomeroy and stepmother Cheryl Weber; two loving sisters, Josie Pomeroy and Holly Hoeffner, as well as Hollys husband Kirk and Amys nephew Brandon and nieces Allison and Kailee. She lovingly embraced Brittanys fianc Sean Terry, as well as looked forward to becoming a grandma to his children Austin and Samantha. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Robert and Helen Pomeroy. A Memorial Service for Amy will be held Friday, November 14, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be sent to First Presbyterian Church Youth Fund and the KU Endowment attention of Jennifer Daly earmarked for cancer research. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. E-Mail condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com Amy Caprice Pomeroy Laughlin